SONDER® Level 1 Foundations 200-hr YTT

Established 2026

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SONDER®

2025 Chaneyville Road, Owings, MD, USA

Owings, MD

Program Instances

In person

Jan 15 – May 2, 2027

108 days • 200 hours • $ 3550+

Owings, MD, US

Led by

Megan Twining

CYT-L3

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Purpose

Sonder Yoga Teacher Training is a self development immersion. Sincere seekers learn to trust the cadence of their lives and discover clarity through the wisdom of traditional Yoga.

What to expect

Experience personal transformation .

In person training unfolds at a thoughtful pace over 8 weekends and several Wednesday nights during a 3.5 month period (see website for exact schedule).

At the heart of this training dwells self responsibility paired with loving guidance. The schedule is balanced by both giving students the opportunity to reflect as they are introduced to the foundations of traditional Yoga, and supported as they progress through learning to lead a 60 minute asana class with confidence.

Overview:

Introduction: Yoga History, Yoga Philosophy, Spirituality of Yoga
Level 1 understanding: Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutra, Sanskrit for Yoga
Emphasis on developing: Daily Sadhana (Yoga Practice), Communication, Creative Process
Comprehensive training: Breath Awareness, Vinyasa & Restorative Practices
Preview of Level 2 topics: Ayurveda, Hatha Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama, Subtle Body, Yoga Therapy

Graduates are invited to audition for a 3-month fellowship program which allows them the opportunity to lead public classes to gain experience.

Style/Lineage

Sonder offers Traditional Yoga passed through direct mentorship and oral tradition.

Additional Information

Core competencies

By the end of this program, graduates will be able to…

Yoga History & Theory	Explain why yoga is considered a science of mind transformation by describing its approaches to mental discipline, self-awareness, and the cultivation of lasting change. Analyze the limitations of reducing yoga to physical postures or general wellness by distinguishing its broader philosophical, ethical, contemplative, and spiritual dimensions from a primarily physical or fitness-based approach. Apply teachings from the Bhagavad Gītā and Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras to a yogic lifestyle by identifying key principles and explaining how they inform daily choices, ethical conduct, and personal practice.
Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics	Describe foundational anatomy relevant to yoga, focusing on the feet, pelvis, shoulders, and spine by identifying key structures and explaining their roles in posture, stability, and movement. Apply knowledge of anatomical planes and movement patterns by identifying and demonstrating flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation in common yoga postures. Explain foundational subtle body concepts, including breath, prana, chakras, and vibration by describing their traditional meanings and roles within yogic philosophy and practice.
Practice Skills	Develop a consistent personal sādhana by maintaining a daily yoga practice, applying the principles of abhyāsa and vairāgya, and reflecting on their influence on personal growth and discipline. Demonstrate yoga postures by identifying contraindications, selecting appropriate modifications and progressions, and adapting each posture to support individual needs and safe practice.
Lifestyle & Ethics	Demonstrate clear and concise communication for yoga leadership and everyday interactions by organizing ideas, using accessible language, and communicating instructions and perspectives effectively in a variety of contexts.
Teaching Skills	Teach vinyasa flow and power yoga practices by developing logical sequences, managing pacing and transitions, delivering clear cues, and adapting instruction to different student needs and experience levels. Guide restorative yoga practices using appropriate props by demonstrating supportive positioning, explaining the relationship between rest and nervous-system regulation, and facilitating a safe, accessible experience. Guide grounding and breath-awareness practices by demonstrating accessible techniques, providing clear instructions, and explaining how these practices may support present-moment awareness and self-regulation.

AYC allows each school to state and evaluate the competencies each student acquires. Students rate how well the program delivered them.

Program Emphasis

Evaluation methods

Program evaluations

Oral Exam
Other
Solo Project Or Presentation
Direct Observation

Students will be evaluated through a combination of written/oral submissions, solo projects, direct observation, and skills demonstration.

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Program Faculty

Featured Faculty

Megan Twining

I am a yoga educator, yoga therapist, and the founder of SONDER® a yoga studio and school where belonging and self responsibility are at the heart of our culture.

megantwining.com

Owings, MD, US